Patricia Dudley Reece, age 66, of Wilmington and formerly of Burgaw passed gently from this earth to her eternal rest on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCareCenter.

She was born December 2, 1944 in Wilmington and was the daughter of the late John Henry and Mary Glenna Halsey Dudley. Patricia was preceded in death by her daughter, Melissa Reece and her brother-in-law, James Hunt.

Patricia is survived by her loving family and friends; daughter, Deborah Reece of Burgaw; son, James Casey Tyler Reece of Ft. Drum in New York; granddaughters, Laeken Henderson, Kirstan Markovitch, Emma Jane Rackley and Catalin Rain Chatfield; sister, Carol D. Hunt of Wilmington; brothers, Donald B. Dudley (Juanita) of Rocky Point, Cecil Dudley (Vicky) and James Dudley (Carla) both of Missouri; her sweetheart, George Mills of Rocky Point; best friend, Priscilla Harts and her husband, Jacky of Rocky Point; former spouse, John Reece of Hillsville, Virginia; and many nieces and nephews.

Patricia was mild and meek. The Lord said, "The meek shall inherit the earth." Patricia is in line for a large heavenly inheritance. She loved to sit down to a card table and always enjoyed her friends and family. She loved her children, grandchildren, siblings and friends who were always glad to see her. Patricia brought so much joy into our lives. Throughout her battle with cancer, Patricia showed great courage and grace. Her kind and gentle nature, selflessness and unconditional acceptance taught those who knew her about faith, hope and love. Patricia will be missed, but never forgotten.

The family will receive friends 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 24, 2011 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Burgaw followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with The Rev. Dr. Jeff Nichols officiating.

Burial will follow in Black River Presbyterian Church Cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside her daughter, Melissa.

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